FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it. — CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. — Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

As the contract renewal window builds throughout September and October, this is prime territory for networks to launch aggressive marketing campaigns alongside the launch of new iPhone models.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
The four- or six-person domes have lofts, full bathrooms with walk-in showers and prime stargazing right from bed.

— Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

Hargrave then had three terrific seasons in Philadelphia, where Jonathan Gannon — the Packers’ defensive coordinator — was the Eagles’ coordinator for two years.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Kuechly, Rivera and Newton teamed up on the terrific Panthers teams of the 2010s.

— Scott Fowler July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Roman will scour the very heart of the Milky Way where stars are tightly packed together, hunting microlensing events which should be common in such a dense stellar region.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 July 2026
An influx of competitors also add to the vehicle’s current not-so-stellar reputation.

— James Raia, Mercury News, 5 July 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

As other reviewers have also noted, sound quality is superb on the GA lawn, which was full to bursting with blankets and rentable lawn chairs.

— Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Curtain Bluff, Antigua Come for the pair of beaches, exceptional clifftop spa, and superb cuisine.

— Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

Naturally, minds will go back to 1986, when Argentina beat England 2-1 and Diego Maradona scored arguably the greatest World Cup goal of all-time.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
And the greatest Golden Boot chase in World Cup history as greats Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane rose like giants.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The resort provides a hiking guide—Nafea Abdeljalil was wonderful—and of course transport.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Izzy, a vulnerable, dry-humored lesbian, played with a hummingbird intensity by the wonderful Molly Bernard, marvels that the experience is hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t been through it, like sharing a dream.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
All in all, launching the book has been an exhausting and lovely gift of an experience.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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